Beverage preparing and dispensing apparatus



Nov. 19, 1957 L. ARNETT 2,813,965

BEVERAGE PREPARING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 12, 19535 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 7 W M f4? .lii f lHHlHllllll]IHHIIH I 10 Nov. 19,1957 L. ARNETT 2,813,965

BEVERAGE PREPARING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 12, 1953Sheets-Sheet 2 M l .35 W

U. -55 v P 24/ P1 iiiii 2 -32 ncnucm 4%, ZM,%M

1957 L. ARNETT 2,813,

BEVERAGE PREPARING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 12, 19535 Sheets-Sheet 3 is; fie @Waeff az fdwy w/ yak;

Nov. 19, 1957 ARNETT 2,813,965

BEVERAGE PREPARING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 12, 19535 Sheets-Sheet 4 Nov. 19, 1957 ARNETT 2,813,965

BEVERAGE PREPARING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 12, 19535 Sheets-Sheet 5 a or Mtg:

2,813,965 Patented Nov. 19, 1957 BEVERAGE PREPARING AND DISPENSINGAPPARATUS Leslie Amctt, Chicago, Ill., assignor to United Coffee Corp.,a corporation of Illinois Original application February 12, 1953, SerialNo.

336,563, now Patent No. 2,761,200, dated September 14, 1956. Divided andthis application May '7, 1953, Serial N 0. 353,621

2 Claims. (Cl. 219-38) This invention relates to a beverage preparingand dispensing apparatus and more particularly to means for providinghot water in an apparatus which automatically brews and dispenses freshcoffee.

This application is a division of copending Arnett application SerialNo. 336,563, filed February 12, 1953, issued as Patent 2,761,200,September 4, 1956, to which reference may be made for details of themechanical structure and arrangement not fully described herein.

Beverage dispensers generally are well-known and there are coffeedispensers in use which mix powdered instant coffee with hot water foreach individual cup dispensed. The quality of such coffee, however, isnot as good as that of coffee brewed directly from the ground coffeebean. The inventions herein disclosed and claimed are in the means forproviding hot water in an apparatus which brews coffee directly from theground coffee bean in a desired quantity, stores and dispenses thebrewed coffee, and brews a fresh batch of coffee when needed. It is tobe understood that although the apparatus is described primarily inconnection with coffee brewing it is equally well adapted for use in thebrewing of other beverages such as tea and the like.

A prime feature of this invention is that it provides a new and improvedapparatus for heating the liquid constituent of a beverage, in abeverage preparing and dispensing device. Another feature is that themeans for providing the heated liquid comprises a tank connected to asource of liquid and having associated heating means, means responsiveto the temperature of the liquid within the container for controllingthe heating means, means responsive to the temperature and pressurewithin the container for venting the container, and means responsive topressure within the container for controlling the heating means.

Another feature is that the venting means operates at a temperaturehigher than the temperature at which the temperature responsive meansfor controlling the heating means is actuated. A further feature is thatthe pressure means is arranged to deenergize the heating means whenpressure of the liquid in the container reaches a predetermined pointhigher than the predetermined pressure which controls the venting means.

Further features and advantages will be readily apparent from thespecification and from the drawings in which:

Figure l is a front elevation view of a beverage brewer and dispenser;

Figure 2 is a reduced front elevation view of the apparatus of Figure 1with the front panel removed;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic flow sheet illustrating the operation of thebeverage brewer and dispenser;

Figure 4 (comprising portions 4a and 4b) is a schematic diagram of acontrol circuit for the beverage brewer and dispenser illustrating anembodiment of the invention; and

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing the cam controlled switches inthe dispenser circuit.

Referring now to the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings,Figure 1 shows a beverage brewing and dispensing apparatus contained ina housing 10. A front panel 11 is hingedly mounted on the housing 10,providing access to the interior thereof. The front panel 11 has anaccess opening 12 therein, through which a customer may receive a cup 13of beverage. A coin slot 14 is provided, through which a customer mayinsert a coin to initiate a dispensing operation. A selector 15, shownhere as having four positions, is provided to enable a customer tochoose the beverage desired as indicated on the panels 16. For example,the customer may select black coffee, coffee with cream, coffee withsugar, or coffee with cream and sugar, by appropriate operation of theselector mechanism, as will be more fully described later. The largepanel 17 may contain an advertising display of some suitable nature. Acoin return mechanism 18 permits return of the deposited coin when themachine is empty, or of bent or otherwise defective coins and slugsthrough the coin return slot 18a.

The cup 13 into which a serving of beverage is delivered is suspendedWithin the access opening 12 by means of jaws 21. This eliminates theunsanitary spillage problem encountered in dispensing machines whichhave a shelf or platform on which the cup stands during the dispensingoperation.

Figure 2 shows the arrangement of various elements of the system in theinterior of the housing 10. In this View the front panel 11, whichincludes the access opening 12 and the cup holding jaws 21, has beenremoved, as has the cup dispensing mechanism which may be mounted in theupper left-hand portion of the housing. The cup dispensing mechanism(not shown herein) may be of any suitable type and reference may be hadto the aforementioned co-pending Arnett application for tie tails of thelocation and mounting of such mechanism. included within the housing 10are a water heater 22., a waste tank 23 and six brewing pots 25, 35, 45,55, 65 and (more or less may be used as desired). Storage means for thebrewed coffee is provided and in this embodiment takes the from of afirst or measuring tank 24, which is adapted to receive brewed beveragefrom the pots; and a second or dispensing tank 29, adapted to receivebrewed beverage from the first tank. The second tank 29 is also referredto herein as a warming tank. The reason for and advantages of the twotank system will be apparent later.

The six brewing pots and the first storage tank are all mounted withinan inner cabinet 31 in the upper portion of the housing 10. Anycondensation from the brewing pots or from the first tank will collectin a drip pan 32 at the bottom of the cabinet and flow through drainpipe 33 into waste tank 23. The second tank 29 is mounted within asmaller cabinet 34 and is provided with an overflow pipe 39 whichconducts any overflow from the second tank to the waste tank 23.

Referring now to Figure 3, water for brewing beverage is introducedunder pressure to the apparatus from a water supply source such as apressurized city water main, through an inlet or supply pipe 41.Inserted in the inlet pipe are a strainer 42, a check valve 43 and apressure reducing valve 44. The inlet pipe extends through the topmember 22a of the water heater 22 downward to a point near the bottom22!) thereof. Also associated with the water heater are a pressure andtemperature actuated relief valve 49 and an air buffer tank 50. Anyoverflow from the relief valve 49 is carried through drain 52 to thewaste tank 23. Pipe means are provided which carry heated water from thetop of the tank 22 to the brewing pot 25. The pipe means as shown inFigure 3 includes outlet pipe 53 and pot pipe 54. Only one brewing petis shown in Figure 3 rather than six pots as in Figure 2 to avoidunnecessarily complicating the drawing. Of course, any desired number ofpots may be used.

The flow of water through the outlet pipe 53 is controlled by anelectrically operated safety valve 59 and an electrically operatedindividual pot valve 26. Also associated with the outlet pipe 53 are apressure operated switch 60 and a pressure indicator gauge 62. Similarpot pipes and pot valves are provided for each of the other brewingpots, 35, 45, 55, 65 and 75, as is shown more fully in theaforementioned co-pending Arnctt application.

The brewing pots themselves are sealed, self-contained units havingseparable top and bottom portions 25a and 25!) respectively, which arebolted together. Each of the pots contains a quantity of ground coffee,sutficicnt for brewing a predetermined quantity of beverage. The potshave threaded inlet and outlet fittings 25c and 25d respectively, bymeans of which they may be installed or removed from the apparatuswithout disturbing the pipe means. In practice, used pots will beremoved from the machine by a Serviceman and taken, along with pots frommany other machines, to a central service station where they may bewashed, sterilized and filled with fresh coffee for reuse.

If it is assumed that conditions are such that a brewing process isabout to commence (the necessary conditions for this will be discussedlater) the safety valve 59 and pot valve 26 in the pipe means will beopened. allowing heated water to How from the heater 22 under the supplypressure. Preferably, the pressure is reduced to about pounds per squareinch by pressure reducing valve 44. The water will pass through pot pipe54 and be sprayed into the interior of the pot 25. The heated water willpercolate under pressure through the ground coffee 69, pass through thepot outlet pipe 70 and into the first tank 24.

The brewing pot is provided with a filter made up of a supporting wiremesh 72, a sheet of filter cloth '73 and a sheet of filter paper 74,arranged in this order from bottom to top. The screen 72 and cloth 73provide sufficient strength to prevent the paper 74 from being torn orruptured by the pressure of the liquid passing therethrough. Any smallparticles of the ground coffee bean are filtered from the infusion bythe filter paper 74 and the beverage passing into the storage tank maybe stored indefinitely without becoming bitter. A gasket 79 may beprovided to insure a perfect seal between the top and bottom portions250 and 25b of the brewing pot.

The first or measuring tank 24 is connected to the second or dispensingtank 29 through a pipe 81 which is provided with measuring tank outletvalve 82. The measuring tank outlet valve 82 is closed during thebrewing process to prevent the strong, first brewed beverage fromentering the dispensing tank 29 before it has been diluted by mixingwith the later infusion and to isolate the measuring tank during brewingto enable accurate measurement of the brewed beverage. When the brewingprocess has been completed, the measuring tank out let valve 82 isopened, allowing the brewed cofiec to how into the dispensing tank 29.

Brewed beverage is delivered from the dispensing tank 29 throughdispensing pipe 83. The flow of beverage through the pipe 83 iscontrolled by an electrically operated dispensing valve 84, as will bediscussed later. Beverage flows through the dispensing pipe 83 into acup 13 properly positioned in the access opening 12 by the jaws 21,Figure 1. Any beverage spilled from the cup 13 or leaking from thedispensing pipe 83 will be collected in the funnel 85 and How throughthe pipe 86 to the waste tank 23.

Additional ingredients may be added directly to the beverage in the cupfrom the containers 87 and 88 which are mounted on the rear of the frontpanel 11, above the access opening 12. in a coffee dispenser, onecontainer could hold a supply of granulated sugar and the other a supplyof powdered cream proper quantities of which could be added to thebeverage, if desired, by proper operation of the selector l5. The meansby which this is done will be discussed later. It will be suihcient forthe present to say that the desired powdered ingredients are deliveredfrom the containers 87 and 83, fall through the chute means 89 and 90into the cup 13 Where they are mixed with the beverage delivered fromthe pipe 83.

The operation of the apparatus will now be described more fully withreference being made to the control circuit shown in Figure 4(comprising portions 4a and 4b; which represents one embodiment of theinvention. in Figures 4a and 4!), letters a to r inclusive indicateleads or wires which are connected together.

The brewing control and operating circuits which initi ate and terminatethe brewing cycle, effect scqucntiul st lection of the brewing pots andprevent reuse of the pots after all have been used, will be describedfirst.

The control circuit is energized from a, source of voltage, such as 110volts A. (1., throngl'i leads )3 and 94. Three fuses are provided, fusein the circuit of the heating elements, fuse 96 on one side of thecontrol circuits and fuse 97 on the other side. The circuits are dividedinto two principal portions from pow standpoint, a primary portion and asecondary portion. The primary portion is connected between one line 93,which is connected to terminal 93 through normally cl sed overflowswitch 99, and a second line 106. conncc d to terminal 94. The secondaryportion is energized from the output windings 101!) of transformer ml,the primary Winding 101a of which is connected between the line 93 andthe line by lead 1.

The, brewing circuit, as has been pointed out pi viously, provides meansfor selectively or scan:"ninll energizing each of the pot valves 26. 36,-16. an and 76, one at a time, in accordance with the lrvel of beveragein the storage tank means. The encrgi'zation of each of the various potvalves permits heated water to flow from the tank 22 through the pipemeans to the proper associated brewing pot.

An important element of the brewing circuit is a rotary selector stepswitch indicated generally as til-i. The step switch is showndiagrammatically in ti": schematic drawing and as shown there includes apair of discs 105 and 106. Spaced circumfcrentially abo t? the disc 105are a plurality of single-pole, doublethrow pot valve switches 27, 37,47. 57, 67 and 77, one for each of the pot valves. Each of the pot valveswitches has a movable contact member 27a, 37:1. 47a, 57a. 67;.- and770, the position of which is controlled by plunger arms 27b. 37b, 47b,57b, 67b and 77b respectively, which contact the outer periphery of thedisc 105. The switches are normally in the position shown when theapparatus is not brewing coffee. The outer edge of the disc MP5 isprovided with a single depression a into which each of the plunger arms27b, 37b, 47b, 57b, 67b and 771') may move when the disc is in theproper position, revers ing the connections made by the switch. Asinglepole, double-throw switch 107 (hereinafter termed iii: alternateswitch) is associated with the disc ran and also has a plunger arm 107!)which controls the position of the movable element 107a. The disc 106 isprovided with six depressions 1060, 106b, iilfic, i061]. H361 and 106],into which the plunger arm 107! may mov A switch drive motor 108 ismechanically coupled to the discs 105 and 106 and turns them in a clockwise direction as viewed in the drawings. The control circuits for theenergization of the switch motor 108 will be described more fully later.

The two tanks 24 and 29 are shown diagrunnnuically in Figure 4a and eachis provided with two measuring electrodes which form the basis of thebrewing control circuits. Associated with each of these electrodes is arelay which is energized from the winding 10lb of the transformer 101;these relays thus being in the secondary power control system. Thewinding 101!) is grounded at 109, as are the two tanks 24 and 29. Thus,when there is a sufficient amount of beverage in the tanks to cover thebottoms of the various electrodes, the relay associated therewith willbe energized.

In the first or measuring tank 24, the upper electrode 110 is a brewingstop electrode connected to the brewing stop relay 111. The lowerelectrode 114 is part of a safety control circuit and is connected tosafety relay 115. In the second or dispensing tank 29, the upperelectrode 116 is the brewing start" electrode associated with brewingstart relay 117; while the lower electrode 118 is connected in thecircuit of sold-out relay 119.

For the purpose of describing the operation it will be assumed that allof the six brewing pots 25, 35, 45, 55, 65 and 75 are charged with freshsupplies of ground coffee and are ready for use, that the rotary stepselector switch 104 is in the position shown in Figure 4a, that the messuring tank 24 is empty and that a suflicient quantity of beverage ispresent in the dispensing tank 29 to cover the bottoms of both brewingstart electrode 116 and soldout electrode 118. Under these conditionsthere is no energization of brewing stop" relay 111, and its associatedcontact 111a is open; nor of safety relay 115, and its associatedcontact 115a is closed. Brewing start relay 117 is energized, asbeverage covers the lower end of brewing start electrode 116, and itsassociated contact 117a is open. Similarly, sold-out" relay 119 isenergized and associated contacts 119a and 11911 are closed. (Thepurpose of the sold-out circuit will be discussed later.) The variousrelay contacts just described are shown, in the positions described, inthe drawlllgS.

As beverage is dispensed from the machine the level of beverage in thedispensing tank 29 will fall until the bottom of the brewing startelectrode 116 is uncovered and the brewing cycle of the apparatus isinitiated. The brewing start electrode 116 may be adjusted vertically tocause this cycle to be initiated at any desired predetermined level ofbeverage, for example when 25 cups remain in the dispensing tank. If theapparatus is in a location where it is subjected to heavy demands, itmight be desirable to raise the brewing start electrode to a positionwhere it would be uncovered when 45 or 50 cups remain in the dispensingtank, for example.

When the level of the beverage falls below the brewing start electrode116, brewing start relay 117 is deenergizcd, allowing contact 117a toclose. This completes a circuit from one side of the line 98 throughcontact 117a, contact 115a, contact 122a of normally energized motorstop relay 122, wire 111, one or more of the contacts 28b, 38b, 48b,58b, 68b and 78b of the pot relays 28, 38, 48, 58, 68 and 78 and wire Ito the step switch motor 108 and through wire to the other side of theline 100. The circuit energizes the step switch motor 108 which in turndrives the discs 105 and 106 in a clockwise direction.

As the discs begin to turn, plunger 107b, associated with alternateswitch 107, is raised out of the depression 106a, opening contact 1070and closing contact 107d. Contact 1070 is in the circuit of measuringtank outlet valve 82, in pipe 81 between measuring tank 24 anddispensing tank 29. When contact 1070 is closed, valve 82 is connectedbetween one side of the line 98, and through wire p to the other side ofthe line 100 and the pipe connection between the tanks is open. Thus,the first thing to occur on energization of the switch motor 108 at thestart of a brewing cycle is the closing of valve 82 isolating the twotanks 24 and 29. At the same time, contact 107d is closed, connectingsafety valve 59 from one side of the line 98 through wire p to the otherside of the line Safe vaivc 59 is in outlet pipe 53 of the water heater22 and must be open to allow heated water to flow to the brewing pots.

The switch motor 108 continues to drive the discs and 106 until plunger27b, associated with pot switch 27, enters depression 105a in the Outerperiphery of disc 105. Again, two changes in the circuit result, contact27d being opened and contact 270 closed. Contact 27d is in theenergization circuit of motor stop relay 122, which circuit is normallycompleted from one side of the line 93 through 27d, 37d, 47d, 67d and77d, relay 122 and wire p to the other side of the line 100. Whencontact 27a is opened, this circuit is broken and relay 122 isdeenergized allowing contact 122a to open, breaking the energizationcircuit of step switch motor 108, stopping the motor. At the same time,contact 270 closes, completing a circuit connecting pot valve 26 fromone side of the line 98 through wire c to the other side of the line100, opening the valve to allow heated water to flow through the pipemeans to brewing pot 25.

Pot relay 28 is connected in parallel with pot valve 26 and is alsoenergized when contact 270 is closed. This circuit is completed from oneside of the line 98 through contact 270, wire it, relay 28 and wire 123.The pot relays 28, 38, 48, 58, 68 and 78 are of the manual reset type;that is, after they have once been energized they must be manuallytripped to return them to deenergized position.

At this stage of the brewing cycle the valve 82 between measuring tank24 and dispensing tank 29 is closed and heated water flows from the tank22 through the various brewing pot 25. Inside the pot 25, the heatedwater is pipe means by virtue of the supply pressure to the sealedsprayed over the ground coffee and forced under pressure to percolatedownward therethrough. The resulting infusion, filtered as heretoforedescribed, passes through the pot outlet pipe 70 into measuring tank 24.This continues until the level of beverage in the measuring tank 24reaches the bottom of brewing stop electrode 110. The position of"brewing stop electrode in the measuring tank may be adjusted to apredetermined level properly related to the amount of ground coffeeplaced in the brewing pots and the brewing pressure used.

When the level of beverage reaches brewing stop electrode 110, brewingstop relay 111 is energized closing contact 111a, associated therewith.A circuit is completed from one side of the line 98 through contact 107dof alternate switch 107, contact 111a, step switch motor 108 and wire 0to the other side of the line 100, energizing switch motor 108. Switchmotor 108 will again drive the discs 105 and 106 in a clockwisedirection, moving the plunger 27b out of depression 105a, openingcontact 270 and closing contact 27d. When contact 270 is opened, potvalve 26 is deenergized, stopping the flow of water to brewing pot 25.When contact 27d is closed motor stop relay 122 is again energizedclosing contact 122a and returning the brewing start circuit to stand-bycondition.

Switch motor 103 continues to turn until plunger 107b of alternateswitch 107 enters depression 106!) in the outer periphery of disc 106.At this time, contact 107d is opened breaking the energizing circuit forthe step switch motor 108, stopping the motor and deenergizing safetyvalve 59. Safety valve 59 will prevent any flow of heated water throughthe pipe means in the event of a malfunction or a failure of pot valve26. At the same time, contact 1070 is closed completing the energizingcircuit for valve 82 from one side of the line 98 through wire 1 to theother side of the line 100. When this valve is energized, the pipeconnection between measuring tank 24 and dispensing tank 29 is openedallowing the freshly brewed beverage to flow into the heated dispensingtank 29.

Coffee may now be dispensed as desired from tank 29 until the levelthereof again falls below the bottom of electrode 116 at which time thebrewing cycle will be repeated using the next brewing pot 35. Brewingstart relay 117 is deenergized closing contact 1170 and completing theenergizing for switch motor 108. The motor again drives the discs 105and 106 in a clockwise direction opening contact 107c of the alternateswitch 107 to deenergize and close valve 82 while closing contact 107dto open safety valve 59. As the discs continue to turn, plunger 37bmoves into the depression 105a in disc 105 opening contact 3711 in thestep switch motor circuit and closing contact 37c to energize pot valve36 and pot relay 38. At the end of the brewing cycle, brewing stop relay111 again becomes energized closing contact 111a and energizing switchmotor 108. The discs 165 and 106 or again turned in a clockwisedirection opening contact 3 in to deenergizc and close pot valve 36 andclosing contact 37d to again place the brewing start circuit in stand-bycondition. 1071) enters depression 1060 stopping the motor and openingvalve 82.

Safety electrode 114 is provided in measuring tank 24 to prevent abrewing cycle from commencing if for some reason beverage remains in themeasuring tank 24. Elec trode 114 is connected in the circuit of safetyrelay 115. and whenever the electrode is covered contact 115a associatedwith the relay is opened, breaking the brewing start motor energizationcircuit. This safety circuit prevents the initiation of a second brewingcycle immediately after the first and before the freshly brewed coffeehas an opportunity to flow into the dispensing tank 29. It also preventsthe initiation of a brewing cycle if, due to same malfunction of themachine, a quantity of beverage remains in the measuring tank.

The pot relays 23, 33, 48, 58, 68 and 78 serve two functions. First,each has a contact 28b, 38b, 48b, 58b, 68b and 78b in the brewing start"motor energization circuit. As has been mentioned previously, theserelays are of the manually reset type and once each has been energized,the contacts associated therewith will remain open until the relays havebeen manually reset. Each relay is connected in parallel with itsassociated pot valve and is energized at the same time as the pot valve.That is, as discussed above, when pot valve 26 was energized permittingbrewing in pot 25, pot relay 28 was energized and when pot valve 36 wasenergized permitting brewing in pot 35. pct relay 38 was energized.Thus, as each of the brewing pots is used, the associated pot relay isenergized and contacts 28b. 38b, 48b, 58b, 68b and 78!; which areconnected in parallel in the brewing start motor energization circuitare opened. After all of the brewing pots have been used, all of thesecontacts will be open. preventing further energization of the switchmotor 108.

Similarly. contacts 28a, 38a, 48a, 58a, 68a and 78a are each opened whenthe respective pot relays are energized: these contacts are connected inthe circuits of indicator lights 28c. 38c, 43c. 58c, 63c and 780respectively. The indicator light circuit is completed from one side ofthe line 98 through wire q, the switches and the indicator lights to theother side of the line 100. Thus, initially all six of the indicatorlights are burning. As each of the various brewing pots is used, theindicator light associated therewith will be deenergizcd providing avisual indication to the serviceman as to which brewing pots should bereplaced.

Sold-out electrode 118 is positioned very close to the bottom ofdispensing tank 29 so that it becomes uncovered only when substantiallyall of the coffee has been withdrawn from the dispensing tank. This willgenerally occur only when all of the brewing pots have been used,although the dispensing tank may be emptied during the brewing process.Normally, as sold-out" electrode 118 will be covered with liquid,sold-out relay 119 will be energized through wire 0, and contacts 119aand 11% associated therewith will be closed. Contact 119a is in theenergization circuit for heater element 124 associated with dispensingtank 29. This circuit is completed from terminal 93 through fuse 95,manual switch 125, contact 119a, thermostatic control switch 126 andheater element The motor continues to turn until plunger 124 to theother side of the line 100. In normal operation thermostatic switch 126will control the heating element 124 to maintain the coffee in thedispensing or warming tank 29 at the proper temperature. When thedispensing tank is empty, however, it is desirable to prevent furtherenergization of heater 124.

Contact 11%, which is also opened when sold-out" relay 119 isdeenergized, is in the energizing circuit of disabling relay 127,associated with the dispensing circuit. "is will appear more fullylater, disabling relay 127 must oe energized before the dispensingoperation can take place. When sold-out relay 119 is deenergized,contact 11% is closed lighting sold-out" light 128 which indicates toprospective customers that the machine is not in condition fordispensing drinks. This light is energized from one side of the line 98through wire b and contact 1196'.

Also in the energizing circuit of disabling relay 127 is cup emptyswitch 129 which is associated with the cup supply in such a manner thatso long as there are cups remaining, contact 129a will be closed, whilewhen the cup supply is exhausted contact 129a will be opened and 129])will be closed. The circuit of the disabling relay 127 is completed fromone side of the line 98 through wire b, contact 119b, contact 129athrough the relay and through wire 130 to the other side of the line100. If the cu supply should become exhausted contact 129a will beopened deenergizing the disabling relay 127 and closing contact 12921lighting sold-out" light 128. Thus, when either the coffee supply or thecup supply is ex hausted, disabling relay 127 will be deenergized.

Heating element 131 is associated with water heating tank 22 and isenergized by a circuit from terminal 93 through fuse 95, manual switch134, thermostatic control switch 135, pressure operated switch 60 andthe heater element to the other side of the line 100. Normally, thethermostatically controlled switch 135 will control the operation of theheating element 131 in such a manner that the temperature and thepressure within the tank 22 do not become excessive. In the event of afailure of this switch however, a mechanical relief valve 49 responsiveto both temperature and pressure is provided. Should this safety alsofail, pressure operated switch 60 is provided for deenergizing theheating element.

The dispensing cycle control circuits will next be described. Thesecircuits are designed to operate upon the insertion of a suitable coinor token in the coin slot 14 on the front panel 11 of the machine and tocause delivery of a cup 13 and a suitable quantity of beverage and creamor sugar, if desired, to the cup. As has been pointed out, disablingrelay 127 is energized so long as an adequate supply of beverage andcups remains. Accordingly, contacts 127a and 127b are normally closed,as shown in the drawings.

Single-pole, doublethrow coin switch 136 is normally biased in theupward position, as shown in solid lines in the drawing, closing contact136a. At this time cup motor relay 137 is deenergized and contact 1371)associated therewith is closed as shown. Coin reject magnet 138 isnormally energized by a circuit from one side of the line 98 throughwire I), wire 139, contact 142a of cup motor switch 142, contact 137b,contact 127b through the magnet to the other side of the line 100.Normally, the coin reject magnet, which may be of any suitable design,will be energized and will allow suitable coins or tokens to passthrough the coin chute to the coin switch 136. If for any reason thereis a failure of power, the coin reject magnet 138 will be deenergizedand should a prospective customer insert a coin in the coin slot it willbe returned through the coin return opening 13a.

Assuming that a suitable coin has been deposited in the machine, it willpass the coin reject magnet 138 and will strike coin switch 136 movingit to the dotted line position shown in the drawings in which contact136a is opened and contact 136b is closed. A circuit will be completedfrom terminal 93 through fuse 96, wire r, contact 136b, cup motor relay137 and wire 130 to the other side of the line 100, energizing cup motorrelay 137. Energization of cup motor relay 137 closes contact 137a,completing a holding circuit from one side of the line 98 through wireb, wire 139, contact 142a of the cup motor switch 142, contact 1370,relay 137 and wire 130 to the other side of the line 100, maintainingthe relay energized. At the same time contact 13722 is opened,deenergizing coin reject magnet 138 thereby preventing further coinsfrom impinging on coin switch 136 during the dispensing operation.Contact 1370 which is in the energization circuit of cup motor 143 isalso closed on energization of cup motor relay 137.

After coin switch 136 has been operated to the dotted line positionmomentarily by the action of a coin, it will return to the solid lineposition shown in the drawings closing contact 136a. A circuit is thencompleted i'rom terminal 93 through fuse 96, wire r, contact 136a,contact 127a, contact 1370, cup motor 143 and wire 130 to the other sideof the line, energizing cup motor 143. Cup motor 143, in addition tooperating the cup dispensing mechanism, not shown, is connected througha speed reducing mechanism 144 to four cams: cam 142d, associated withcup motor switch 142; cam 145a, associated with coffee dispensing switch145', and cams 146a and 147a associated with cream and sugar switches146 and 147 respectively (see Figure Assuming that the prospectivecustomer has adjusted the selector 15 for black cotfee, cream and sugarselector switches 148 and 149 respectively will be open as shown in thedrawings. When a proper coin is inserted, cup motor relay 137 and cupmotor 143 will be energized as previously described and the motor willbegin to turn, driving the associated cams in a counterclockwisedirection. As the cams turn, coifee dispensing switch 145 will be closedby cam 145a energizing dispensing valve 84, allowing coffee to flowthrough dispensing pipe 83 to cup 13. At the same time counter mechanism151 is actuated registering the number of cups of beverage dispensed.The circuit for these operations is completed from one side of the line98 through wire b, wire 139, switch 145 and valve and counter mechanismback to the other side of the line 100. A short time after coifeedispensing switch 145 is closed, cream and sugar dispensing switches 146and 147 will be closed by their respective cams 146a and 146b. However,as neither cream nor sugar were selected by the setting of the selector15, the closing of switches 146 and 147 has no effect on the circuit.

After a predetermined period of time, colfee dispensing switch 145 isopened by cam 145a deenergizing and closing coffee dispensing valve 84.A short time thereafter, contact 142a of cup motor switch 142 is openedby the operation of cam 142s and contact 142b is closed. Contact 142a isin the circuit of holding contact 1370 of cup motor relay 137 and whenit is opened, cup motor relay 137 is denergized. This breaks the mainenergizing circuit for cup motor 143. However, at the time contact 142ais opened, contact 142b is closed by operation of cam 142a and thiscontact completes an energizing circuit for cup motor 143 from one sideof the line 98 through wire b, wire 139, contact 142b, cup motor 143 andwire 130 back to the other side of the line 100. Thus, cup motor 143continues to run for a short period of time until cam 142a opens contact1421) and closes contact 142a, returning the circuit to its originalcondition.

Should the customer of the machine desire to have cream or sugar addedto the coffee dispensed by the machine, proper operation of the selector15 will close either or both switches 148 and 149, associated with thecream and sugar dispensing circuits respectively. For example, if bothcream and sugar are desired, both switches 148 and 149 will be closed.Then, during the portion of the dispensing cycle in which switches 146and 147 are closed by their respective cams 146a and 147a, cream motor152 and sugar motor 153 will be energized. The circuit for each of thesecontrols is substantially the same and is completed from one side of theline 98 through wire b, wire 139, selector switch 148 or 149, anddispensing switches 146 and 147 respectively through the motors to theother side of the line 100. The dispensing motors 152 and 153 drivesuitable means for ejecting a quantity of powdered ingredient from thecontainers 87 and 88 whereby it may fall through the chute means 89 and90 into cup 13 as previously described.

Waste tank 23, Figure 2, is positioned to receive overflow, condensationand leakage from the various elements of the apparatus. In particular,liquid accumulating in drip pan 32 at the bottom of cabinet 31, overflowfrom dispensing tank 29, leakage or spillage in the dispensing operationand overflow from relief valve 49 will accumulate in waste tank 23.

Under ordinary operating conditions only a small quantity of liquidshould enter the waste tank. However, in the event of a seriousmalfunction such as a jammed dispensing valve 84, or excessive pressureor temperature Within the water heating tank 22 suflicient to causeoperation of the relief valve 49, a large quantity of liquid will enterthe waste tank. It is desirable to provide some means for shutting downoperation of the machine if for some reason the level of waste liquid intank 23 exceeds a certain predetermined level. A ball float 154 ispivotally mounted on the tank and carries a normally closed mercuryswitch 99. Should the level of waste liquid in the tank reach thepredetermined maximum, waste tank switch 99 will be opened deenergizingboth the brewing and the disabling relay 127 preventing furtheroperation (either brewing or dispensing) of the machine. In addition,coin reject magnet 138 will be deenergized in order that any coinsdeposited by customers will be returned.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, itis to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changestherefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed in theappended claims.

I claim:

1. In a beverage dispensing device utilizing a heated liquid as aconstituent of the beverage, apparatus of the character described forproviding the heated liquid, comprising: a source of liquid; a tankconnected to said source of liquid and adapted to receive liquidtherefrom; electrically operated means for heating said tank and theliquid therein; a thermostatic control switch responsive to thetemperature of said liquid for controlling the operation of said heatingmeans, said heating means being deenergized when the temperature of saidliquid reaches a predetermined point; a relief valve associated withsaid tank and responsive to the temperature and pressure therein, forventing said tank when either the temperature or the pressure thereinreaches a predetermined point, said last mentioned predeterminedtemperature being higher than the predetermined temperature controllingsaid thermostat; and a pressure control switch responsive to thepressure of said liquid for controlling the operation of said heatingmeans, said heating means being deenergized when the pressure of saidliquid reaches a predetermined point, said last mentioned predeterminedpressure being higher than the predetermined pressure controlling saidrelief valve.

2. In a beverage dispensing device utilizing a heated liquid as aconstituent of the beverage, apparatus of the character described forproviding the heated liquid, comprising: a source of liquid; a tankconnected to said source of liquid and adapted to receive liquidtherefrom; an electrical heating element operably associated with saidtank for heating the liquid therein; a circuit, including a source ofelectrical energy connected with said heating element; a first switch insaid circuit and having a thermostatic control element operablyassociated with said tank and responsive to the temperature of saidliquid for controlling energization of said heating means, the switchbeing opened, breaking said circuit when the temperature of said liquidreaches a predetermined point; a relief valve associated with said tankand responsive to the temperature and pressure therein for venting thetank When either the temperature or pressure reaches a predeterminedpoint, said last mentioned temperature being higher than thepredetermined temperature controlling said first switch; and a secondswitch in said circuit and having a pressure control element responsiveto the pressure of said liquid for opening said second switch andbreaking said circuit when the pressure of the liquid reaches apredetermined point, said last mentioned predetermined pressure beinghigher than the predetermined pressure controlling the relief valve.

Johnson Feb. 3, 1920 Speck Nov. 28, 1922 12 Bast Mar. 22, Calleson Sept.23, Bauer et al May 12, Brand Sept. 8, Strand et a1. Aug. 2, Aske I an.6, McCauley et al. Jan. 25, Lime Dec. 23, Kaminky Nov. 22, Johnson Aug.2], Zees Sept. 25, Mills Oct. 2, Mills Oct. 21, Chaplik Apr. 19,

FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Sept. 24-, France May 29,

